Nation

Utah

Hearing in Kirk killing to be public

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah judge has declined a request from the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk to restrict access to parts of his July preliminary hearing.

Tyler Robinson’s defense hoped to bar reporters and the public from parts of July 6-10 proceedings. They will feature the most significant presentation of evidence so far. Prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty if Robinson is convicted.

District of Columbia

US to slash embassies in Africa

WASHINGTON — The State Department plans to slash the number of U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa that can process visas for foreigners seeking to come to the United States.

The almost 50 U.S. embassies and consulates that are processing visa applications in Africa will be reduced to 20 “hubs” in the coming weeks. That’s according to three U.S. officials and an internal memo obtained by The Associated Press. The move is part of the Trump administration’s effort to crack down on immigration to the U.S.

Colorado

Elections clerk released from prison

DENVER — Former Colorado elections clerk and conspiracy theorist Tina Peters has been released from state prison.

She served less than a quarter of her nine-year sentence for her role in a scheme to copy her county’s election system. Democratic Gov. Jared Polis commuted her sentence last month after pressure from President Donald Trump.

World

Congo

Confirmed Ebola cases approach 300

BUNIA — Congo has confirmed at least 282 Ebola cases in its growing outbreak. The outbreak is focused in eastern Ituri province with 264 confirmed cases there.

Congo has reported more than 1,000 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo virus. The rare Ebola species has no approved medicine or vaccine. The disease has killed 42 people in Congo and one person in neighboring Uganda. The outbreak has spread to 22 health zones across three eastern provinces.

France

Navy intercepts sanctioned tanker

PARIS — The French Navy, with UK support, has intercepted another Russia-linked oil tanker under international sanctions.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Sunday’s interception of the Tagor in the Atlantic. He emphasized the importance of enforcing sanctions to prevent financing Russia’s war against Ukraine. Oil revenue is crucial for Russia’s economy, enabling continued war efforts without economic collapse.

Myanmar

Rescuers dig for bodies after blast

More than a dozen rescue and charity groups are using excavation machinery to recover bodies following a massive blast from stored mining explosives in northeastern Myanmar.

The explosion occurred Sunday in Kaungtup village in Shan State, near the Chinese border. A new tally issued by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army, the ethnic rebel group that controls the area, puts the number of dead at 43, with the number likely to rise.